Aminopyrazole derivatives as GSK-3 inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) the stereoisomers and prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, stereoisomers, and prodrugs, wherein R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  are as defined herein; pharmaceutical compositions thereof; combinations thereof; and uses thereof in the treatment of, inter alia, conditions, diseases, and symptoms including, inter alia, Alzheimer&#39;s Disease, cancer, dementia, depression, diabetes, hair loss, schizophrenia, and stroke.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to certain 5-cyclobutyl-3-aminopyrazoles which inhibit kinases, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (cdk-2), and cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (cdk-5). As such, the compounds are useful in the treatment of conditions, diseases, and symptoms including, inter alia, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, dementia, depression, diabetes, hair loss, schizophrenia, and stroke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The serine/threonine kinase cdk-2 is essential for normal cellular cycling and plays a critical role in disorders arising from abnormal cell cycling, a common characteristic of many oncological disorders. Inhibitors of cdk-2 are therefore useful in the treatment of various types of cancers and other diseases or conditions related to abnormal cell growth. See, for example, Meijer, et al., Pharmacol. and Therapeutics, 82 (2-3), 279-284 (1999), Sausville, et al., Pharmacol. and Therapeutics, 82 (2-3), 285-292 (1999). The serine/threonine kinase cdk-5, along with its cofactor p25, or the longer cofactor p35, has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders, and inhibitors of cdk-5 are therefore useful in the treatment of disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, and Huntington's Disease. Treatment of such neurodegenerative disorders using cdk-5 inhibitors is supported by the finding that cdk-5 is involved in the phosphorylation of tau protein, and dopamine and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) at threonine 75, and is thus indicated as playing a role in dopaminergic transmission.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a proline-directed, serine/threonine kinase for which two isoforms, GSK-3α and GSK-30β, have been identified, phosphorylates the rate-limiting enzyme of glycogen synthesis, glycogen synthase (GS). See, for example, Embi, et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 107, 519-527 (1980). GSK-3α and GSK-3β are both highly expressed in the body. See, for example, Woodgett, et al., EMBO, 9, 2431-2438 (1990) and Loy, et al., J. Peptide Res., 54, 85-91 (1999). Besides GS, a number of other GSK-3 substrates have been identified, including many metabolic, signaling, and structural proteins. Notable among the plurality of signaling proteins regulated by GSK-3 are many transcription factors, including activator protein-1; cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB); the nuclear factor (NF) of activated T-cells; heat shock factor-1; β-catenin; c-Jun; c-Myc; c-Myb; and NF-_(KB). See, for example, C. A. Grimes, et al., Prog. Neurobiol., 65, 391-426 (2001), H. Eldar-Finkelman, Trends in Molecular Medicine, 8, 126-132 (2002), and P. Cohen, et al., Nature, 2, 1-8, (2001). Accordingly, targeting the activity of GSK-3 has significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of many disparate pathologies and conditions, for example, Alzheimer's Disease (A. Castro, et al., Exp. Opin. Ther. Pat., 10, 1519-1527 (2000)); asthma (P. J. Barnes, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol., 42, 81-98 (2002)); cancer (Beals, et al., Science, 275, 1930-1933 (1997), L. Kim, et al., Curr. Opin. Genet. Dev., 10, 508-514 (2000), and Q. Eastman, et al., Curr. Opin. Cell Biol., 11, 233 (1999)); diabetes and its related sequelae, for example, Syndrome X and obesity (S. E. Nikoulina, et al., Diabetes, 51, 2190-2198 (2002), Orena, et al., JBC, 15765-15772 (2000), and Summers, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 274, 17934-17940 (1999)); hair loss (S. E. Millar, et al., Dev. Biol., 207, 133-149 (1999) and E. Fuchs, et al., Dev. Cell, 1, 13-25 (2001)); inflammation (P. Cohen, Eur. J. Biochem., 268, 5001-5010 (2001)); mood disorders, such as depression (A. Adnan, et al., Chem. Rev., 101, 2527-2540 (2001) and R. S. B. Williams, et al., Trends Phamacol. Sci., 21, 61-64 (2000)); neuronal cell death and stroke (D. A. E. Cross, et al., J. Neurochem., 77, 94-102 (2001) and C. Sasaki, et al., Neurol. Res., 23, 588-592 (2001)); bipolar disorder (Klein, et al., PNAS, 93, 8455-8459 (1996)); skeletal muscle atrophy (G. J. Brunn, et al., Science, 277, 99-101 (1997), R. E. Rhoads, J. Biol. Chem., 274, 30337-30340 (1999), V. R. Dharmesh, et al., Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 283, C545-551 (2002), and K. Baar, et al., A. J. Physiol., 276, C120-C127 (1999)); decreased sperm motility (Vijayaraghavan, et al., Biol. Reproduction, 54, 709-718 (1996)); and in cardio-protection (C. Badorff, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 109, 373-381 (2002), S. Haq, et al., J. Cell Biol., 151, 117-129 (2000), and H. Tong, et al., Circulation Res., 90, 377-379 (2002)).

Certain pyrazole derivatives of formula (II),

useful as inhibitors of cdk2, cdk5, and GSK-3, are disclosed in commonly-assigned PCT International Application Publication No. WO 02/18346, wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds of formula (I)

the stereoisomers and prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, stereoisomers, and prodrugs, wherein R¹, R², and R³ are as defined herein; pharmaceutical compositions thereof; combinations thereof; and uses thereof in the treatment of, inter alia, conditions, diseases, and symptoms including, inter alia, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, dementia, depression, diabetes, hair loss, schizophrenia, and stroke.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides compounds of formula (I)

the stereoisomers and prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, stereoisomers, and prodrugs, wherein:

R¹ is:

(A) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (a) halogen; (b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (c) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (d) —OR⁵; (e) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; or (f) heterocycloalkyl;

(B) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (g) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (h) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (i) heterocycloalkyl; (j) —OR⁵; or (k) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen;

(C) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three (l) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (m) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (n) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; (o) heterocycloalkyl; (p) —OR⁵; or (q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; or

(D) heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or trifluoromethyl;

R² and R³ are, independently,

(E) hydrogen;

(F) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (r) halogen; (s) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, optionally substituted with from one to three fluorine atoms; (t) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three nitro; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; halogen; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (u) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; oxo; aryl; or heteroaryl; (v) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three cyano or aryl; (w) —NHR⁴; (x) —OR⁵; (y) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl]₂; or (z) cyano;

(G) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three cyano or aryl;

(H) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

(I) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; or

(J) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with aryl; or

R² and R³, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycloalkyl ring, optionally substituted independently with (aa) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with —R⁴ or —OR⁵; (bb) aryl; (cc) heteroaryl; (dd) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl]R⁴; (ee) —R⁴; or (ff) —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy;

R⁴ is (K) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (L) —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (M) —C(O)O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with aryl; (N) aryl; (O) heteroaryl; or (P) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each (N) aryl, (O) heteroaryl, or (P) heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (gg) halogen; (hh) nitro; (ii) trifluoromethyl; (jj) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or (kk) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl][C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl]; and

R⁵ is (Q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (R) —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (S) aryl; (T) heteroaryl; or (U) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each (S) aryl, (T) heteroaryl, or (U) heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (ll) halogen; (mm) nitro; (nn) trifluoromethyl; (oo) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or (pp) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl][C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl].

A generally preferred subgroup of the compounds of formula (I) comprises those compounds wherein:

R¹ is:

(A) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with (b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (c) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (d) —OR⁵; or (f) heterocycloalkyl;

(B) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with (g) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (h) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (i) heterocycloalkyl; (j) —OR⁵; (k) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen;

(C) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with (l) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (m) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (n) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; (o) heterocycloalkyl; (p) —OR⁵; or (q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen;

R² is hydrogen or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

R³ is:

(F) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (r) halogen; (s) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, optionally substituted with from one to three fluorine atoms; (t) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; halogen; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (u) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; oxo; aryl; or heteroaryl; (v) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; (w) —NHR⁴; (x) —OR⁵; (y) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl]₂; or (z) cyano;

(G) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three cyano or aryl; or

(J) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with aryl; or

R² and R³, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycloalkyl ring, optionally substituted independently with (aa) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with —R⁴ or —OR⁵; (bb) aryl; (cc) heteroaryl; or (ff) —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy;

R⁴ is (K) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (N) aryl; (O) heteroaryl; or (P) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (gg) halogen; (ii) trifluoromethyl; or (jj) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; and

R⁵ is (Q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (S) aryl; (T) heteroaryl; or (U) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each (S) aryl, (T) heteroaryl, or (U) heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (ll) halogen; (nn) trifluoromethyl; or (oo) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl.

Another generally preferred subgroup of the compounds of formula (I) comprises those compounds wherein:

R¹ is:

(A) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with (b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (c) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or (d) —OR⁵;

(B) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with (g) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (h) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (j) —OR⁵; (k) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; or

(C) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with (l) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁*C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (m) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (p) —OR⁵; or (q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen;

R² is hydrogen or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

R³ is:

(F) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with (s) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, optionally substituted with from one to three fluorine atoms; (t) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or trifluoromethyl; and

R⁵ is (S) aryl, optionally substituted with halogen.

The compounds and intermediates of the present invention may be named according to either the IUPAC (International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry) or CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio) nomenclature systems.

The carbon atom content of the various hydrocarbon-containing moieties may be indicated by a prefix designating the minimum and maximum number of carbon atoms in the moiety, i.e., the prefix “—(C_(a)-C_(b))alkyl” indicates an alkyl moiety of the integer “a” to “b” carbon atoms, inclusive.

The term “alkoxy” denotes straight or branched, monovalent, saturated aliphatic chains of carbon atoms bonded to an oxygen atom, wherein the alkoxy group optionally incorporates one or more double or triple bonds, or a combination of double bonds and triple bonds. Examples of alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, tert-butoxy, and the like.

The term “alkyl” denotes straight, or branched, monovalent chains of carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl group optionally incorporates one or more double or triple bonds, or a combination of double bonds and triple bonds. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, vinyl, allyl, 2-methylpropenyl, 2-butenyl, 1,3-butadienyl, ethynyl, propargyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” denotes a monocyclic, or polycyclic, aromatic hydrocarbon. Examples of aryl groups include anthracenyl, fluorenyl, phenanthrenyl, phenyl, naphthyl, and the like.

The term “cycloalkyl” denotes a saturated monocyclic, or polycyclic, cycloalkyl group, optionally fused to an aryl group, wherein the cycloalkyl group optionally incorporates one or more double or triple bonds, or a combination of double bonds and triple bonds, but which is not aromatic. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include adamantanyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, decahydronaphthalinyl, norbornanyl, and the like.

The term “halogen” represents chloro, fluoro, bromo, and iodo.

The term “heteroaryl” denotes a monocyclic, or polycyclic, aromatic hydrocarbon group wherein one or more carbon atoms have been replaced with heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. If the heteroaryl group contains more than one heteroatom, the heteroatoms may be the same or different. Examples of heteroaryl groups include acridinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, furyl, imidazolyl, indazolyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, naphthyridinyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazinyl, oxazolyl, phenazinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrido[3,4-b]indolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, quinolizinyl, quinolyl, quinoxalinyl, thiadiazolyl, thiatriazolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, triazinyl, triazolyl, xanthenyl, and the like.

The term “heterocycloalkyl” denotes a saturated, or partially unsaturated, monocyclic, or polycyclic, cycloalkyl group, optionally fused to an aromatic or heteroaromatic hydrocarbon group, in which at least one of the carbon atoms has been replaced with a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. If the heterocycloalkyl group contains more than one heteroatom, the heteroatoms may be the same or different. Examples of such heterocycloalkyl groups include azabicycloheptanyl, azetidinyl, benzazepinyl, 1,3-dihydroisoindolyl, dioxolanyl, dioxanyl, carbazolyl, dioxolanyl, dithianyl, indolinyl, imidazolidinyl, morpholinyl, quinuclidinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydroindolyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinoxalinyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydro-2H-1,4-thiazinyl, thiazolidinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thioxanthenyl, thioxanyl, trithianyl, and the like.

A cyclic group may be bonded to another group in more than one way. If no particular bonding arrangement is specified, then all possible arrangements are intended. For example, the term “pyridyl” includes 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, and the term “thienyl” includes 2- or 3-thienyl.

The term “mammal” means animals including, for example, dogs, cats, cows, sheep, horses, and humans. Preferred mammals include humans of either gender.

The term “oxo”, when used within the context of the term “heterocycloalkyl”, indicates a carbonyl substituent formed between a ring carbon atom(s) of the heterocycloalkyl group and an oxygen atom.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” indicates that the designated carrier, vehicle, diluent, excipient(s), and/or salt must be chemically and/or physically compatible with the other ingredients comprising the formulation, and physiologically compatible with the recipient thereof.

The term “prodrug” refers to a compound that is a drug precursor which, following administration, releases the drug in vivo via a chemical or physiological process (e.g., upon being brought to physiological pH or through enzyme activity). A discussion of the preparation and use of prodrugs is provided by T. Higuchi and W. Stella, “Prodrugs as Novel Delivery Systems, Vol. 14 of the ACS Symposium Series, and in Bioreverible Carriers in Drug Design, ed. Edward B. Roche, American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, 1987.

The term “radical” denotes a group of atoms that behaves as a single atom in a chemical reaction, e.g., an organic radical is a group of atoms that imparts characteristic properties to a compound containing it, or which remains unchanged during a series of reactions, or transformations.

The term “salts” refers to organic and inorganic salts of a compound of formula (I), or a prodrug thereof. These salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of a compound, or by separately reacting a compound of formula (I), or a prodrug thereof, with a suitable organic or inorganic acid or base and isolating the salt thus formed. Representative salts include the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, nitrate, acetate, oxalate, besylate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, borate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate, fumarate, succinate, tartrate, naphthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate, lactobionate, and laurylsulphonate salts, and the like. These may also include cations based on the alkali and alkaline earth metals, such as sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like, as well as non-toxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations including, but not limited to, ammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine, and the like. For additional examples see, for example, Berge, et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 66, 1-19 (1977).

The term “substituted” means that a hydrogen atom on a molecule has been replaced with a different atom or molecule. The atom or molecule replacing the hydrogen atom is denoted as a “substituent.”

The symbol “—” represents a covalent bond.

The phrase “reaction-inert solvent” or “inert solvent” refers to a solvent, or mixture of solvents, that does not interact with starting materials, reagents, intermediates, or products in a manner that adversely affects their desired properties.

The terms “treating”, “treated”, or “treatment” as employed herein includes preventative (e.g., prophylactic), palliative, or curative use or result.

The compounds of formula (I) may contain asymmetric or chiral centers and, therefore, exist in different stereoisomeric forms. It is intended that all stereoisomeric forms of the compounds and prodrugs of formula (I) as well as mixtures thereof, including racemic mixtures, form part of the present invention. In addition, the present invention embraces all geometric and positional isomers. For example, if a compound or prodrug of formula (I) incorporates a double bond, both the cis- and trans-forms, as well as mixtures thereof, are embraced within the scope of the invention.

Diastereomeric mixtures can be separated into their individual diastereomers on the basis of their physical chemical differences by methods well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as by chromatography and/or fractional crystallization. Enantiomers can be separated by converting the enantiomeric mixture into a diasteriomeric mixture by reaction with an appropriate optically active compound (e.g., alcohol), separating the diasteriomers and converting (e.g., hydrolyzing) the individual diasteriomers to the corresponding pure enantiomers. Also, some of the compounds of formula (I) may be atropisomers (e.g., substituted biaryls) and are also considered as part of the invention.

The compounds and prodrugs of formula (I) may exist in unsolvated as well as solvated forms with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents, such as water, ethanol, and the like, and it is intended that the invention embrace both solvated and unsolvated forms.

It is also possible that the compounds and prodrugs of formula (I) may exist as tautomeric isomers in equilibrium, and all such forms are embraced within the scope of the invention.

The present invention also embraces isotopically-labeled compounds of formula (I), which are identical to those recited herein, but for the fact that one or more atoms are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of formula (I) include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, fluorine, and chlorine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ¹⁷O, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F, and ³⁶Cl, respectively. The compounds of formula (I), the prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds and prodrugs, that contain the aforementioned isotopes and/or other isotopes of the other atoms are intended to be within the scope of the instant invention.

Certain isotopically-labeled compounds of formula (I), for example those compounds into which radioactive isotopes such as ³H and ¹⁴C are incorporated, are useful in compound and/or substrate tissue distribution assays. Tritiated, i.e., ³H, and carbon-14, i.e., ¹⁴C, isotopes are particularly preferred for their relative ease of preparation and facile detection. Furthermore, substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium, i.e., ²H, may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, for example, increased in vivo half-life, or reduced dosage requirements and, hence, may be preferred in some circumstances. The isotopically-labeled compounds of formula (I) can generally be prepared by carrying out procedures analogous to those disclosed in the Schemes and/or Examples set forth hereinbelow, by substituting an isotopically-labeled reagent for a non-isotopically-labeled reagent.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for inhibiting cdk2, cdk5, and/or GSK-3 activity in a mammal in need of such inhibition which methods comprise administering to the mammal a cdk2, cdk5, and/or GSK-3 activity inhibiting amount of a compound of formula (I), a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or prodrug; or a cdk2, cdk5, and/or GSK-3 activity inhibiting amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or prodrug, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, or diluent.

In another aspect, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an amount of a compound of formula (I), a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or prodrug, optionally in combination with an amount of one or more of: (i) an anti-angiogenesis agent, (ii) a signal transduction inhibitor, (iii) an anti-proliferative agent, (iv) an NK-1 receptor antagonist, (v) a 5HT_(1D) receptor antagonist, (vi) a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), (vii) an anti-psychotic agent, (viii) an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, (ix) a neuroprotectant, (x) tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), (xi) neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF), or a (xii) a potassium channel modulator.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides methods of treating cdk2, cdk5, and/or GSK-3 mediated conditions, diseases, or symptoms in a mammal in need of such treatment which methods comprise administering to the mammal: (i) a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or prodrug; (ii) a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or prodrug, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, or diluent; (iii) a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a compound of formula (I), a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or prodrug, and one or more of: (i) an anti-angiogenesis agent, (ii) a signal transduction inhibitor, (iii) an anti-proliferative agent, (iv) an NK-1 receptor antagonist, (v) a 5HT_(1D) receptor antagonist, (vi) a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), (vii) an anti-psychotic agent, (viii) an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, (ix) a neuroprotectant, (x) tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), (xi) neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF), and (xii) a potassium channel modulator; or (iv) a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the aforementioned combinations.

Preferred conditions, diseases, and symptoms treatable according to the methods of the instant invention are those selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease, asthma, atherosclerosis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, cancer, diabetes, dementia, depression, frailty, hair loss, heart failure, essential hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypoglycemia, inflammation, ischemia, male fertility and sperm motility, mood disorders, neuronal cell death, obesity, obsessive compulsive disorder, polycystic ovary disorder, schizophrenia, stroke, Syndrome X, and traumatic brain injury.

Frailty is characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass resulting in a high risk of injury from fall, difficulty in recovery from illness, prolongation of hospitalization, and long-term disability requiring assistance in daily living. The reduction of muscle mass and physical strength typically leads to diminished quality of life, loss of independence, and mortality. Frailty is normally associated with aging, but may also result when muscle loss and reduced strength occur due to other factors, such as disease-induced cachexia, immobilization, or drug-induced sarcopenia. Another term that has been used to denote frailty is sarcopenia, which is a generic term for the loss of skeletal muscle mass, or quality. Examples of skeletal muscle properties that contribute to its overall quality include contractility, fiber size and type, fatiguability, hormone responsiveness, glucose uptake/metabolism, and capillary density.

Generally preferred anti-angiogenesis agents may comprise, for example, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) inhibitors, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) inhibitors, and cyclooxygenase-II (COX-II) inhibitors. Examples of useful MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitors are disclosed in, for example, PCT International Application Publication Nos. WO 98/34915 and WO 98/34918, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,240,958; 5,310,763; 5,455,258; 5,506,242; 5,530,161; 5,552,419; 5,672,615; 5,861,510; 5,863,949; 5,932,595; 5,994,351; 6,077,864; 6,087,392; 6,090,852; 6,110,964; 6,147,061; 6,147,074; 6,303,636; 6,380,219; and 6,387,931. Examples of COX-II inhibitors useful in the present combinations and methods comprise CELEBREX® (celecoxib, U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,823), valdecoxib (U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,272), and rofecoxib (U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,995). Generally preferred MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitors are those exhibiting little or no activity inhibiting MMP-1. Especially preferred MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitors are those that selectively inhibit MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 relative to other MMP inhibitors, i.e., MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-4, MMP-5, MMP-6, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-10, MMP-11, MMP-12, and MMP-13. Specific examples of MMP inhibitors useful in the present combinations and methods comprise AG-3340, RO 32-3555, RS 13-0830, and the following compounds:

-   3-[[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl]-(1-hydroxycarbamoyl-cyclopentyl)-amino]-propionic     acid; -   3-exo-3-[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl-amino]-8-oxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3-carboxylic     acid hydroxyamide; -   (2R,3R)1-[4-(2-chloro-fluoro-benzyloxy)-benzenesulfonyl]-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-piperidine-2-carboxylic     acid hydroxyamide; -   4-[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl-amino]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxlyic     acid hydroxyamide; -   3-[[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl]-(1-hydroxycarbamoyl-cyclobutyl)-amino]-propionic     acid; -   4-[4-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl-amino]-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxlyic     acid hydroxyamide; -   (R)-3-[4-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl-amino]-tetrahydro-pyran-3-carboxlyic     acid hydroxyamide; -   (2R,3R)1-[4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-benzyloxy)-benzenesulfonyl]-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-piperidine-2-carboxylic     acid hydroxyamide; -   3-[[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl]-(1-hydroxycarbamoyl-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-propionic     acid; -   3-[[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl]-(4-hydroxycarbamoyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amino]-propionic     acid; -   3-exo-3-[4-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl-amino]-8-oxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3-carboxylic     acid hydroxyamide; -   3-endo-3-[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl-amino]-8-oxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3-carboxylic     acid hydroxyamide; and

(R)-3-[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-benzenesulfonyl-amino]-tetrahydro-furan-3-carboxlyic acid hydroxyamide; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

Generally preferred signal transduction inhibitors may comprise, for example, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) response inhibitors, such as EGFR antibodies, EGF antibodies, and molecules that are EGFR inhibitors; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors; and erbB2 receptor inhibitors, such as molecules or antibodies that bind to the erbB2 receptor, for example, HERCEPTIN® (Genentech Inc.; South San Francisco, Calif.). EGFR inhibitors are described in, for example, PCT International Application Publication No. WO 98/14451, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,679,683; 5,747,498; and 6,391,874. EGFR-inhibiting agents may comprise, for example, the monoclonal antibodies C225 and anti-EGFR 22Mab (Imclone Systems, Inc.), ZD-1839, BIBX-1382, Mbx-103, VRCTC-310, and EGF fusion toxin (Seragen Inc.; Hopkinton, Mass.). VEGF inhibitors are disclosed in, for example, PCT International Application Publication No. WO 99/24440, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,792,783; 5,834,504; 5,851,999; 5,883,113; 5,886,020; 6,051,593; 6,114,371; 6,133,305; 6,162,804; 6,174,889; 6,207,669; 6,235,741; 6,291,455; 6,294,532; 6,310,238; 6,380,203; and 6,395,734. Specific VEGF inhibitors may comprise, for example, Su-5416, IM862, anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (Cytran Inc.; Kirkland, Wash.), and angiozyme (Ribozyme; Boulder, Colo.). ErbB2 receptor inhibitors are disclosed in, for example, PCT International Application Publication Nos. WO 97/13760, WO 99/35132, and WO, 99/35146, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,679,683; 5,587,458; 5,877,305; 6,207,669; and 6,391,874. Specific erbB2 receptor inhibitors may comprise, for example, GW-282974 (Glaxo Wellcome plc.), and the monoclonal antibody AR-209 (Aronex Pharmaceuticals Inc.; The Woodlands, Tex.).

Generally preferred anti-proliferative agents may comprise, for example, cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) antibodies, and other agents capable of blocking CTLA4; and farnesyl transferase inhibitors.

Examples of NK-1 receptor antagonists are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,122,525; 5,162,339; 5,232,929; 5,332,817; 5,703,240; 5,716,965; 5,719,147; 5,744,480; 5,763,699; 5,773,450; 5,807,867; 5,843,966; 5,852,038; 5,886,009; and 5,939,433.

Examples of 5HT_(1D) receptor antagonists useful in the present combinations and methods are disclosed in, for example, PCT International Application Publication No. WO 94/21619, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,358,948; 5,510,350; 6,380,186; 6,403,592; 6,423,708; and 6,462,048.

Examples of SSRI's useful in the present combinations and methods may comprise, for example, fluoxetine (U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,081), paroxetine (U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,196), sertraline (U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,518), fluvoxamine (U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,225), venlafaxine hydrochloride (EFFEXOR®, U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,186), nefazodone hydrochloride (SERZONE®, U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,317), and bupropion hydrochloride (WELLBUTRIN®, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,819,706 and 3,885,046).

Generally preferred anti-psychotic agents useful in the present combinations and methods may comprise, for example, ziprasidone (GEODON®, U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,925), olanzapine (U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,382), risperidone (U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,663), L-745,870, sonepiprazole, RP-62203 (fananserin), NGD-941, balaperidone, flesinoxan (U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,142), and gepirone (U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,049).

Generally preferred acetylcholinesterase inhibitors useful in the present combinations and methods may comprise, for example, donepezil (ARICEPT®, U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,841), rivastigmine (EXELON®, U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,807), metrifonate (U.S. Pat. No. 2,701,225), galanthamine, physostigmine, tacrine, huperzine, and icopezil (U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,984).

Generally preferred neuroprotectants useful in the instant combinations and methods may comprise, for example, NMDA receptor antagonists. Specific NMDA receptor antagonists comprise, for example, (1S,2S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)-1-propanol (U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,160); eliprodil (U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,931); and gavestenel (U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,018). Examples of additional NMDA antagonists are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,690,931; 5,185,343; 5,272,160; 5,356,905; 5,373,018; 5,744,483; 5,962,472; 6,046,213; 6,124,317; 6,124,323; 6,130,234; 6,218,404; 6,333,036; and 6,448,270; and in PCT International Application Publication Nos. WO 97/23202 and WO 98/18793.

A generally preferred potassium channel modulator comprises, for example, BMS-204352 (flindokaliner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,169).

The disclosures of all of the above U.S. patents are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

The compounds of formula (I), the prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds and prodrugs, may be administered to a mammal at dosage levels in the range of from about 0.0001 mg to about 1,000 mg per day. For a normal adult human having a body mass of about 70 kg, a dosage in the range of from about 0.01 mg to about 500 mg per kg body mass is typically sufficient. However, some variability in the general dosage range may be required depending upon the age and mass of the subject being treated, the intended route of administration, the particular compound being administered, and the like. The determination of dosage ranges and optimal dosages for a particular mammalian subject is within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the instant disclosure.

According to the methods of the present invention, the compounds of formula (I), the prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds and prodrugs, or the aforementioned combinations thereof, are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, or diluent. Accordingly, an amount of a compound of formula (I), a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or prodrug, or the aforementioned combinations, may be administered to a subject separately, or together, in any conventional oral, rectal, transdermal, parenteral (e.g., intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous), intracisternal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal, intravesical, local (e.g., powder, ointment, or drop), or buccal, or nasal dosage form.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral injection may comprise pharmaceutically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions, or emulsions, and sterile powders for extemporaneous reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, vehicles, and diluents include water, ethanol, polyols (such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive oil), and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may further comprise adjuvants, such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing agents. Prevention of microorganism contamination of the instant compositions can be accomplished with various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, sodium chloride, and the like. Prolonged absorption of injectable pharmaceutical compositions may be effected by the use of agents capable of delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is admixed with at least one inert conventional pharmaceutical excipient (or carrier) such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate, or (a) fillers or extenders, as for example, starches, lactose, sucrose, mannitol, and silicic acid; (b) binders, as for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose, and acacia; (c) humectants, as for example, glycerol; (d) disintegrating agents, as for example, agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid certain complex silicates, and sodium carbonate; (e) solution retarders, as for example, paraffin; (f) absorption accelerators, as for example, quaternary ammonium compounds; (g) wetting agents, as for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate; (h) adsorbents, as for example, kaolin and bentonite; and/or (i) lubricants, as for example, talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, or mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules and tablets, the dosage forms may further comprise buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft or hard filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar, as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, and the like.

Solid dosage forms such as tablets, dragees, capsules, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells, such as enteric coatings and others well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art. They may also comprise opacifying agents, and can also be of such composition that they release the active compound(s) in a delayed, sustained, or controlled manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be employed are polymeric substances and waxes. The active compound(s) can also be in micro-encapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of the above-mentioned excipients.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs. In addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage form may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers, as for example, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethylformamide, oils, in particular, cottonseed oil, groundnut oil, corn germ oil, olive oil, castor oil, and sesame seed oil, glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, or mixtures of these substances, and the like.

Besides such inert diluents, the pharmaceutical composition can also include adjuvants, such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

Suspensions, in addition to the active compound(s), may further comprise suspending agents, as for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar, and tragacanth, or mixtures of the aforementioned substances, and the like.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration preferably comprise suppositories, which can be prepared by mixing an active compound(s) with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax, which are solid at ordinary room temperature, but liquid at body temperature, and therefore, melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity thereby releasing the active component.

Dosage forms for topical administration may comprise ointments, powders, sprays and inhalants. The active agent(s) are admixed under sterile condition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, or diluent, and any preservatives, buffers, or propellants that may be required.

The compounds of formula (I), the prodrugs thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds and prodrugs, may be prepared according to the exemplary synthetic routes disclosed in the Schemes and Examples hereinbelow, as well as by other conventional organic preparative methods known, or apparent in light of the instant disclosure, to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. It is to be understood that the methods disclosed in the instant Schemes are intended for purposes of exemplifying the instant invention, and are not to be construed in any manner as limitations thereon.

In Scheme 1, an appropriately-substituted cyclobutanone derivative (1), prepared as disclosed in the aforementioned PCT International Application Publication No. WO 02/18346, is treated with a reducing agent, preferably sodium borohydride, in a suitable solvent, such as a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and ethanol (EtOH), at below ambient temperature, preferably about −78° C., followed by warming to 0° C., or ambient temperature. It has been found that the cis isomer of the resulting cyclobutanol (2) is formed predominantly over the corresponding trans isomer, typically in ratios of >10:1. Cyclobutanol (2) is treated with a carbonic acid equivalent, preferably triphosgene or 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), to form the activated intermediate (3), in a solvent such as ethyl acetate (EtOAc) or methylene chloride, at or below ambient temperature. An amine base, preferably pyridine, is added to reactions utilizing triphosgene, and may optionally be employed for reactions using CDI. Addition of an appropriately-substituted amine HNR²R³ to the solution of (3), typically at a temperature of between ambient temperature and the reflux temperature of the solvent employed, affords protected pyrazole (4). The tert-butyl protecting group is cleaved by treating (4) with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), at elevated temperature, preferably >70° C., to afford (I).

Alternatively, the compounds of formula (I) may be prepared according to the method disclosed in Scheme 2.

In Scheme 2, the tert-butyl protecting group of compound (2) is cleaved by treatment with an acid, preferably TFA, at elevated temperature. The resulting ester (5) is cleaved by treatment with an aqueous base, such as ammonium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, to provide alcohol (6). Alcohol (6) is then treated with CDI in an organic solvent, preferably EtOAc, to afford intermediate imidazolide (7) which, if desired, may be isolated by conventional workup. The reaction of an appropriately-substituted amine HNR²R³ with (7) is effected in an organic solvent, preferably EtOAc, provides (I). Where needed, an amine base, such as triethylamine (Et₃N), 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), or a polymer-supported DMAP derivative, may be added. When an elevated temperature is required, such temperatures may be achieved by known methods, including heating the reaction in a microwave apparatus.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula (I) may be prepared according to the method disclosed in Scheme 3.

In Scheme 3, the tert-butyl protecting group of compound (1) is removed by treatment with acid as described hereinabove in Scheme 2. Deprotected pyrazole (8) is then treated with di-tert-butyldicarbonate in the presence of a base, preferably Et₃N and DMAP, in an aprotic solvent such as methylene chloride, at ambient temperature. The resulting Boc-protected pyrazole (9) is isolated as a mixture of carbamate isomers that may be employed subsequently without further purification. Pyrazole (9) is treated with a reducing agent, preferably sodium borohydride, in a suitable solvent, such as a mixture of THF and EtOH, at or below ambient temperature, to afford alcohol (10). Reaction of (10) with an appropriately-substituted amine HNR²R³ affords (11) which is then deprotected by treatment with an acid, such as TFA or, alternatively, by warming a solution of (11) in acetonitrile or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in a microwave apparatus at about 150° C.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula (I) may be according prepared according to the method disclosed in Scheme 4.

In Scheme 4, compound (12), prepared as disclosed in the aforementioned PCT International Application Publication No. WO 02/18346, is treated with an excess of di-tert-butyldicarbonate in the presence of a base, preferably Et₃N and DMAP, in an aprotic solvent such as methylene chloride, at ambient temperature, to provide the bis-carbamoylated product (13). Treatment of (13) with aqueous acid, preferably p-toluenesulfonic acid, in a mixture of water and acetone, preferably at reflux temperature, affords ketone (14). Ketone (14) is then treated with a reducing agent, preferably sodium borohydride, in a suitable solvent, such as a mixture of THF and EtOH, at below ambient temperature, preferably −78° C., followed by warming to 0° C., or ambient temperature. As in Scheme 1, it has been found that the cis isomer of the resulting cyclobutanol (15) is formed predominantly over the corresponding trans isomer, typically in ratios of ˜10:1. Cyclobutanol (15) is then treated with a carbonic acid equivalent, preferably triphosgene or CDI, in a solvent such as EtOAc or methylene chloride, at or below ambient temperature. An amine base, preferably pyridine, is added to reactions untilizing triphosgene, and may optionally be employed for reactions using CDI. Addition of an appropriately-substituted amine HNR²R³, typically at a temperature of between ambient temperature and the reflux temperature of the solvent employed, affords protected pyrazole (16). The tert-butyl carbamate protecting groups are cleaved by treating (16) with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) at ambient temperature to afford amine (17). Amine (17) is then treated under standard acylation conditions, with either a carboxylic acid and an amine coupling reagent, or a carboxylic acid chloride, and a base, such as Et₃N or pyridine, to afford (4). The tert-butyl protecting group is cleaved by treating (4) with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), at elevated temperature, preferably >70° C., to furnish compound (I).

PREPARATIVE EXPERIMENTAL

Unless otherwise noted, all reagents employed were obtained commercially. Unless otherwise noted, the following experimental abbreviations have the meanings indicated:

DMF—dimethylformamide

Et₃SiH—triethylsilane

HPLC—high performance liquid chromatography

h—hour(s)

M—molar

MeOH—methanol

min—minute(s)

IPA—isopropanol

mL—milliliter(s)

mmol—millimole(s)

HPLC—high performance liquid chromatography

MS—mass spectrometry

Unless otherwise noted, preparation of the various N-(5-cyclobutyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-amide starting materials from 2-tert-butyl-5-(3,3-dimethoxy-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-ylamine was carried out according to the methods described in the aforementioned PCT International Application Publication No. WO02/18346. 2-Methyl-tetrahydro-furan-2-carboxylic acid and 4-methyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid were prepared from tetrahydro-furan-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester and tetrahydro-pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester, respectively, according to the method of Regan (J. Med. Chem., 45, 2994-3008 (2002)). Carboxylic acid chlorides that were not commercially available were prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acids by treatment with thionyl chloride (Org. Syn., Coll. Vol., 3, 169 (1955)).

Preparative reversed-phase HPLC purifications were carried out on a system obtained from Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.; Columbia, Md. (Model LC-8A Prep LC, SPD-10A UV-vis detector, FRC-10A fraction collector, SIL-10AP auto-injector). All microwave chemistry was performed using an Emrys Optimizer® (Personal Chemistry Inc.; Foxboro, Mass.).

Preparation 1 2-Methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionic acid ethyl ester and 2-Pyridin-2-yl-propionic acid ethyl ester

A solution of n-butyllithium in hexanes (2.5 M, 121 mL) was added slowly to a solution of diisopropylamine (42 mL) in THF (120 mL) at −78° C., and the resulting solution was stirred for 15 min. Pyridin-2-yl-acetic acid ethyl ester (9.2 mL) was then added and the mixture was stirred for 30 min before iodomethane (18.9 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 15 min and then at room temperature for 3 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). After concentration, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford the title compounds separately. 2-Methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionic acid ethyl ester: MS (M+H)⁺=194.1. 2-Pyridin-2-yl-propionic acid ethyl ester: MS (M+H)⁺=180.1.

EXAMPLE 1 Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

A solution of trimethylaluminum in heptane (2.0 M, 19.5 mL) was added slowly to a solution of 2-tert-butyl-5-(3,3-dimethoxy-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-ylamine (8.98 g) in CH₂Cl₂ (60 mL) at room temperature. After 15 min, a solution of 2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionic acid ethyl ester (6.85 g) in CH₂Cl₂ (60 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux overnight. Saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution was added and the mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford N-[2-tert-butyl-5-(3,3-dimethoxy-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-pyridin-2-yl-isobutyramide as an oil that was used without further purification.

Step B

A mixture of the product of Step A (1.0 g) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (50 mg) in water (0.7 mL) and acetone (9 mL) was heated at reflux for 7 h. The solution was cooled, concentrated, and the resulting residue was partitioned between EtOAc and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford the product ketone that was used without further purification.

Step C

Sodium borohydride (118 mg) was added to a solution of the product of Step B (1 g) in THF (9 mL) and EtOH (1.3 mL) at −78° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 min at −78° C. and then at 0° C., and saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution was added to quench excess hydride. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×) and the combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The alcohol product was purified by silica gel chromatography.

Step D

To a solution of the product of Step C (50 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ (0.5 mL) at 0° C. was added sequentially a solution of triphosgene (29 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ (0.5 mL) and pyridine (0.036 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, and benzylamine (45 mg) was added. After 3 h, saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution was added and the mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford the product carbamate.

Step E

A solution of the product of Step E (48 mg), Et₃SiH (0.046 mL), and TFA (1 mL) was heated to reflux for 12 h. The solution was concentrated and the residue partitioned between saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford the title product as a white solid. MS (M+H)⁺=434.2.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 1 using appropriate starting materials.

MS Example Name (M + H)⁺ 2 Benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 448.2 [5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 3 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 400.2 methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that ample 1, Steps C to E, using appropriate starting materials.

MS Example Name (M + H)⁺ 4 Benzyl-ethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 413.4 [((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 5 Methyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl-carbamic 372.4 acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-1H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 6 1,3-Dihydro-isoindole-2-carboxylic 369.4 acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-1H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 7 Methyl-phenyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 357.4 (5-isobutyrylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 8 Phenyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 343.4 isobutyrylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 9 Cyclohexylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3-pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

A solution of N-[2-tert-butyl-5-(cis-3-hydroxy-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-3-pyrazol-1-yl-propionamide (200 mg, prepared as in Example 1, Step C using appropriate starting materials) and CDI (100 mg) in EtOAc (3 mL) was stirred at room temperature. After 45 min, cyclohexyl-methylamine (0.12 mL) was added and the solution was heated at reflux overnight. The solution was cooled and then diluted with EtOAc and washed sequentially with portions of saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution, and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then concentrated. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford the product carbamate as a white solid.

Step B

A solution of cyclohexylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[1-tert-butyl-5-(3-pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester from Step A (122 mg) in TFA (2 mL) was heated at 120° C. in a microwave apparatus for 10 min. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc. The resulting solution was washed sequentially with portions of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford the title product as a white solid. MS (M+H)⁺=415.5.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 9 using appropriate starting materials. For Examples designated with an asterisk, Step B was conducted in TFA at reflux overnight.

MS Example Name (M + H)⁺ 10 Diethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 363.4 (cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 11 (2-Methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-carbamic 379.4 acid cis-3-[5-(cyclohexanecarbonyl- amino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 12 (2-Methoxy-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis- 365.4 3-[5-(cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 13 (2-Dimethylamino-ethyl)-methyl- 392.4 carbamic acid cis-3-[5- (cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 14 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 363.4 (cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 15 Benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 413.4 [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 16 (2-Methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-carbamic 381.4 acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester  17* Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 399.4 [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester  18* Piperidine-1-carboxylic acid cis-3-{5- 377.4 [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 19 Isopropyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 363.4 [5-(cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 20 (2-Pyridin-3-yl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 412.3 cis-3-[5-(cyclohexanecarbonyl- amino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester  21* (2-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 433.3 3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester  22* Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis- 400.4 3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester  23* (3-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 433.3 3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 24 Phenethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 413.4 [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 25 Pyridin-3-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis- 400.4 3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 26 3,4-Dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2- 425.6 carboxylic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro- pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 27 Benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 423.5 (3-pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 28 Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3- 409.4 pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 29 Methyl-propyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 375.4 (3-pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester  30* Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis- 410.4 3-[5-(3-pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 31 Propyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3- 361.4 pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 32 Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- 385.4 tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 33 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis- 386.4 3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 34 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- 351.4 tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 35 Benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 399.4 [((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester  36* [2-(3,5-Dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-ethyl]- 441.4 carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3-pyrazol-1-yl- propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester  37* Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 357.4 isobutyrylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 38 (Tetrahydro-furan-2-ylmethyl)- 351.4 carbamic acid cis-3-(5- isobutyrylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 39 (2-Phenoxy-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis- 439.4 3-[5-(3-pyrazol-1-yl-propionylamino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 40 3,4-Dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2- 435.4 carboxylic acid cis-3-[5-(3-pyrazol-1- yl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester  41* Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 372.3 methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 42 Ethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

Sodium borohydride (330 mg) was added to a solution of N-[2-tert-butyl-5-(3-oxo-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-phenyl-isobutyramide (2.8 g) in THF (100 mL) and EtOH (10 mL) at −60° C. The mixture was warmed to room temperature, and held at that temperature for 1.5 h. Excess hydride was quenched by the addition of MeOH (50 mL). The mixture was concentrated and the resulting residue was dissolved in EtOAc. The solution was washed sequentially with saturated aqueous K₂CO₃ solution (2×) and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford the product alcohol as a light yellow solid that was used without further purification.

Step B

A solution of the product of Step A (2.8 g) in TFA (50 mL) was heated to reflux for 48 h. The solution was concentrated and the resulting residue was dissolved in EtOAc. The solution was washed sequentially with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford the product ester as a residue that was used without further purification.

Step C

A solution of the product of Step B (1.9 g), concentrated aqueous NH₄OH (10 mL), and MeOH (20 mL) was heated to 65° C. for 90 min. The solution was concentrated, the resulting residue was diluted with EtOAc, and the solution washed sequentially with portions of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford the product alcohol as a solid that was used without further purification.

Step D

A mixture of the product of Step C (1.1 g) and CDI (714 mg) in EtOAc (30 mL) was stirred for 3 h. The solution was diluted with EtOAc and washed sequentially with portions of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford the product imidazolide as a solid that was used without further purification.

Step E

A mixture of the product of Step D (100 mg), PS-DMAP resin (0.15 mmol; Argonaut Technologies; Foster City, Calif.), and ethylamine hydrochloride (27 mg) in EtOAc (2 mL) was heated at 35° C. for 10 h. The resin was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated. The resulting residue was purified by reversed-phase preparative HPLC to afford the title product as a white solid. MS (M+H)⁺=371.2.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 42 using appropriate starting materials. For Examples 43 to 71, DMAP was used in Step E, rather than PS-DMAP resin.

MS (M + H)⁺ or Example Name MS (M − H)⁻ 43 (2-Cyano-ethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid 374.4 (+) cis-3-[5-(cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 44 (3-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 431.4 (+) [5-(cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 45 (2-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 419.4 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 46 (3-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 419.4 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 47 (4-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 419.4 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 48 (4-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 415.4 (+) 3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 49 (2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-carbamic acid 365.5 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 50 (2-Phenylamino-ethyl)-carbamic acid 414.4 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 51 Cyclohexylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 391.5 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 52 (2-Isopropoxy-ethyl)-carbamic acid 381.4 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 53 3,4-Dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2- 411.3 (+) carboxylic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 54 (4-Isopropyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 427.4 (+) 3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 55 (2-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 403.3 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 56 Cyclopropylmethyl-carbamic acid cis- 349.3 (+) 3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 57 (2-Phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 413.4 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 58 (4-Cyano-cyclohexylmethyl)-carbamic 416.4 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 59 (2-Piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 406.3 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 60 (2-Chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic 437.2 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 61 (2,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 421.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 62 (2,3-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 421.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 63 (2-Methyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 399.2 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 64 (2,6-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 421.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 65 (2-Fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 471.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 66 tert-Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- 351.3 (+) tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 67 (2-Phenoxy-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 415.2 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 68 (2-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 415.2 (+) 3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 69 (2-Trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic 453.2 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 70 (2-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 471.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 71 (2,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 421.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 72 (1H-Benzoimidazol-2-ylmethyl)- 423.1 (−) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 73 (2-Pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 398.2 (−) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 74 (2-Pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 392.4 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 75 (1-Ethyl-pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)- 406.4 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 76 (2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 408.3 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 77 [2-(cis-3-{5-[((R)-Tetrahydro-furan-2- 438.4 (+) carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutoxycarbonylamino)-ethyl]- carbamic acid tert-butyl ester 78 (2-Dimethylamino-ethyl)-carbamic acid 366.3 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 79 (2-Diethylamino-ethyl)-carbamic acid 394.3 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 80 [2-(2-Methyl-5-nitro-imidazol-1-yl)- 448.2 (+) ethyl]-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 81 [2-(cis-3-{5-[((R)-Tetrahydro-furan-2- 472.2 (+) carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutoxycarbonylamino)-ethyl]- carbamic acid benzyl ester 82 (2-Acetylamino-ethyl)-carbamic acid 378.1 (−) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 83 [2-(5-Nitro-pyridin-2-ylamino)-ethyl]- 460.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 84 (2-Fluoro-6-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 471.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 85 (5-Methyl-furan-2-ylmethyl)-carbamic 389.3 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 86 (2,2-Dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4- 409.3 (+) ylmethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 87 Thiophen-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 391.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 88 [2-(Pyridin-2-ylamino)-ethyl]-carbamic 413.2 (−) acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 89 [2-(4-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2- 483.2 (+) ylamino)-ethyl]-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- [((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 90 (1-Methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)- 389.4 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 91 (7-Methyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2- 437.2 (−) ylmethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 92 (2-Imidazol-1-yl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 389.4 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 93 (1H-Indol-2-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid 424.3 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 94 [2-(2-Oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-ethyl]- 406.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 95 (2-Chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic 451.1 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 96 (2-Methyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 413.2 (+) {5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 97 (4-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 433.2 (+) {5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 98 (2-Fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 485.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro- pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol- 3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 99 (4-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 403.2 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 100 (3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 421.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 101 (4-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 471.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 102 (2,4,5-Trifluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 439.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 103 (4-Fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 471.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 104 (3,4,5-Trifluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 439.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 105 (2,5-Dichloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 453.1 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 106 (3,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 453.1 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 107 (5-Chloro-2-methyl-benzyl)-carbamic 433.3 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 108 (2-Chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic 409.1 (+) acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 109 (2-Trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic 425.1 (+) acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 110 (2-Fluoro-6-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 443.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-(5- isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 111 (2,6-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 393.2 (+) cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3- yl)-cyclobutyl ester 112 (2-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 391.2 (+) (5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 113 (4-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 391.2 (+) (5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 114 (2-Phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 385.3 (+) (5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 115 (2-Fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 443.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-(5- isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 116 (2,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 393.1 (+) cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3- yl)-cyclobutyl ester 117 (2-Phenoxy-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 387.1 (+) (5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 118 (2-Phenylamino-ethyl)-carbamic acid 386.3 (+) cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3- yl)-cyclobutyl ester 119 Benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 371.2 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 120 Cyclohexylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 363.3 (+) (5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 121 [2-(2-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]- 414.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 122 [2-(6-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]- 414.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 123 (3-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 403.2 (+) {5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 124 (3,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 421.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 125 (3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 471.1 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 126 [2-(6-Methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl]- 430.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)- tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 127 (3-Chloro-4-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic 437.4 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 128 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 293.2 (−) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 129 Methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 281.3 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 130 Isopropyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 309.4 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 131 Piperidine-1-carboxylic acid cis-3-(5- 335.4 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 132 Pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid cis-3-(5- 321.4 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 133 Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 323.3 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 134 Propyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 309.2 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 135 (2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-carbamic acid 337.3 (+) cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3- yl)-cyclobutyl ester 136 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 323.3 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 137 Morpholine-4-carboxylic acid cis-3-(5- 337.2 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 138 (Tetrahydro-pyran-4-ylmethyl)- 365.4 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-(5- isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 139 (2,2-Dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)- 379.4 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-(5- isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 140 (Tetrahydro-furan-3-yl)-carbamic acid 337.3 (+) cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3- yl)-cyclobutyl ester 141 Cyclohexyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 349.3 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 142 (2-Methyl-butyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 337.3 (+) (5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 143 Cyclopentyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 335.3 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 144 (2-Ethyl-butyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 351.3 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 145 Cyclobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 321.2 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 146 Azetidine-1-carboxylic acid cis-3-(5- 307.2 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 147 (3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H- 441.2 (+) [1,2′]bipyridinyl-3-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 148 (2,2-Diphenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis- 447.2 (+) 3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 149 (1-Benzyl-piperidin-4-yl)-carbamic acid 440.2 (+) cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3- yl)-cyclobutyl ester 150 ((S)-1-Benzyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-carbamic 426.2 (+) acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 151 ((R)-1-Benzyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-carbamic 426.2 (+) acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 152 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 434.1 (+) [5-(2-phenyl-butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 153 Morpholine-4-carboxylic acid cis-3-[5- 413.2 (+) (2-phenyl-butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3- yl]-cyclobutyl ester 154 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 371.2 (+) phenyl-butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 155 Methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 357.2 (+) phenyl-butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 156 Ethyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 385.2 (+) phenyl-butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 157 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 399.2 (+) phenyl-butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 158 Ethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-phenyl- 371.2 (+) butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 159 Propyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 385.2 (+) phenyl-butyrylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 160 Propyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 385.2 (+) methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 161 (Tetrahydro-pyran-4-ylmethyl)- 441.4 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2- phenyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3- yl]-cyclobutyl ester 162 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 434.3 (+) [5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 163 Ethyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 385.4 (+) methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 164 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 399.2 (+) methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 165 Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 433.2 (+) methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 166 (2-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 463.3 (+) 3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 167 (2-Methyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 447.4 (+) [5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 168 (2-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 451.4 (+) [5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 169 (2,6-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 469.4 (+) cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 170 (2-Trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic 501.5 (+) acid 3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 171 Ethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 295.3 (+) isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 172 (Tetrahydro-pyran-4-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

A solution of imidazole-1-carboxylic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester (200 mg) and C-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-methylamine (83 mg) in EtOAc was stirred at 70° C. overnight. After cooling, the isolated by silica gel chromatography. MS (M+H)⁺=379.3.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 172 using appropriate starting materials. Amine starting materials that were obtained in the form of an acid addition salt were neutralized in situ by the addition of excess Et₃N. For Examples denoted with an asterisk, the reaction was heated in a microwave apparatus (150° C., 35 min), rather than at reflux.

MS (M + H)⁺ or Example Name MS (M − H)⁻ 173 Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- 371.3 (+) dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester  174* (4-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 389.2 (+) [5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 175 (4-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid 401.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester  176* (2-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 389.2 (+) [5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester  177* (3-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 389.2 (+) [5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 178 Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(1- 409.2 (−) methyl-cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 179 (2-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 443.2 (−) 3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 180 (2-Methoxy-2-methyl-propyl)- 367.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 181 (3,4-Dihydro-2H-pyran-2-ylmethyl)- 377.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 182 (2-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid 401.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 183 (3-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid 401.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 184 (2-Methoxy-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis- 339.2 (+) 3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 185 Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- 337.3 (+) dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 186 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- 337.3 (+) dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 187 Benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 385.3 (+) (2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 188 (Tetrahydro-furan-2-ylmethyl)- 365.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 189 (2-Phenylamino-ethyl)-carbamic acid 400.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 190 (2,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 479.1 (+) cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 191 (2-Trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic 479.2 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 192 (2,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 447.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 193 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis- 412.2 (+) 3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 194 (R)-3-Propoxy-pyrrolidine-1- 393.3 (+) carboxylic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 195 Isochroman-1-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 427.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 196 [2-(2-Chloro-phenoxy)-propyl]- 449.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 197 (2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-carbamic acid 351.2 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 198 Piperazine-1,4-dicarboxylic acid cis-3- 422.2 (+) [5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester ethyl ester 199 4-Pyridin-2-yl-piperazine-1-carboxylic 427.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 200 (2R,6S)-2,6-Dimethyl-morpholine-4- 379.2 (+) carboxylic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 201 (S)-3-Methoxy-pyrrolidine-1- 365.2 (+) carboxylic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 202 (2-Trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-carbamic 455.1 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 203 4-Phenyl-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid 426.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 204 3-Pyridin-2-yl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic 412.3 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 205 [2-(Pyridin-3-yloxy)-propyl]-carbamic 416.3 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 206 3-(Acetyl-methyl-amino)-pyrrolidine-1- 406.2 (+) carboxylic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 207 (4-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)- 497.0 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 208 (3,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 480.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 209 (3,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 447.3 (+) cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 210 (3-Chloro-2-methyl-benzyl)-carbamic 459.2 (+) acid cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 211 (4-Isopropyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid 453.3 (+) cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 212 (2,6-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 447.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 213 (3-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 445.1 (+) 3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 214 (3-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3- 429.2 (+) {5-[(1-methyl-cyclohexanecarbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 215 (5,7-Dimethyl-benzothiazol-2-yl)- 482.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl- cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 216 Indan-1-yl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 397.2 (+) (2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 217 (1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)- 411.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 218 (1-Phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid cis- 399.2 (+) 3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 219 ((S)-1-Phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 385.2 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 220 ((R)-1-Phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 385.2 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 221 Methyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

A solution of N-[2-tert-butyl-5-(3-oxo-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propionamide (6.9 g) in TFA (47 mL) was heated at reflux for 29 h. The solution was cooled, concentrated, and the resulting residue was partitioned between CH₂Cl₂ and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford the product as a light yellow solid that was used without further purification.

Step B

A mixture of the product of Step A (2.7 g), di-tert-butyldicarbonate (3.6 g), Et₃N (2.85 mL), and DMAP (63 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solution was concentrated and the resulting residue dissolved in EtOAc. The solution was washed sequentially with saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution, water, and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford a mixture of carbamate isomers that was used without further purification.

Step C

Sodium borohydride (430 mg) was added to a solution of the product of Step B (4.8 g) in THF (34 mL) and EtOH (4.9 mL) at −78° C. After 10 min, the reaction mixture was warmed to 0° C. for 15 min. Excess hydride was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution and the mixture was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc and washed sequentially with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (2×), water, and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then was concentrated to afford the product as a yellow foam that was used without further purification.

Step D

The product of Step C (200 mg) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and the resulting solution was cooled to 0° C. A solution of triphosgene (123 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ (0.5 mL) was added followed by pyridine (0.125 mL). The reaction solution was warmed to room temperature and, after an additional 1 h, methyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl-amine (180 mg) was added. After an additional 1 h, the solution was concentrated, the resulting residue was dissolved in EtOAc, and the solution washed sequentially with saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution and water, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated to afford the product carbamate as a mixture of isomers that was used without further purification.

Step E

A solution of the product of Step D (230 mg) in CH₃CN was heated to 150° C. in a microwave apparatus for 5 min. The solution was concentrated and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford the title compound as a white solid. MS (M−H)⁻=384.3.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 221 using appropriate starting materials.

MS (M + H)⁺ or Example Name MS (M − H)⁻ 222 tert-Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- 337.1 (+) dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 223 (6-Methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)- 386.1 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 224 (3-Chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-   474 (+) ylmethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 225 (1,1-Dimethyl-propyl)-carbamic acid 351.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 226 [2-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-1,1-dimethyl- 431.3 (+) ethyl]-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 227 (1-Methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic 399.3 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 228 Diethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- 337.3 (+) dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 229 (2,2,2-Trifluoro-ethyl)-carbamic acid 363.2 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 230 tert-Butyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis- 351.3 (+) 3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 231 (Tetrahydro-pyran-2-ylmethyl)- 379.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 232 Methyl-propyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 337.2 (+) (2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 233 Isobutyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 351.2 (+) [5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 234 Cyclopropylmethyl-propyl-carbamic 377.3 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 235 (2-Methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-carbamic 353.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 236 Cyclohexyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis- 377.3 (+) 3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 237 2-Ethyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid 377.3 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 238 (2-Cyano-ethyl)-cyclohexyl-carbamic 416.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 239 Ethyl-isopropyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 351.2 (+) [5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 240 (R)-2-Methoxymethyl-pyrrolidine-1- 379.2 (+) carboxylic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 241 Methyl-((R)-1-phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic 399.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 242 Isopropyl-(2-methoxy-ethyl)- 381.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 243 Methyl-(3-methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)- 398.3 (−) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 244 Methyl-quinoxalin-2-ylmethyl- 437.3 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 245 Methyl-quinolin-8-ylmethyl-carbamic 436.3 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 246 Methyl-quinolin-6-ylmethyl-carbamic 436.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 247 Methyl-quinolin-5-ylmethyl-carbamic 436.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 248 Methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic 386.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 249 Methyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-carbamic 386.2 (+) acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 250 Methyl-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)- 400.1 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 251 (1-Phenyl-cyclopentyl)-carbamic acid 425.2 (+) cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 252 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(2- 365.2 (+) methyl-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 253 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(4- 379.4 (+) methyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 254 tert-Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(2- 365.3 (+) methyl-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 255 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(2- 337.2 (+) methyl-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 256 tert-Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(4- 379.4 (+) methyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 257 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(4- 351.4 (+) methyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 258 Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(4- 413.4 (+) methyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 259 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis- 414.5 (+) 3-{5-[(4-methyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 221 using appropriate starting materials, except Step E employed DMSO as solvent, rather than CH₃CN.

MS Example Name (M + H)⁺ 260 Propyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 386.3 methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 261 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 435.2 cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 262 Isopropyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 386.4 (2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 263 Cyclobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 398.3 (2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 264 Methyl-propyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 400.3 [5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 265 ((S)-1-Phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 448.3 cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 266 ((R)-1-Phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid 448.3 cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 267 Isopropyl-methyl-carbamic acid 400.3 cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 268 Methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 358.2 methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 269 (2-Methoxy-ethyl)-carbamic acid 402.3 cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 270 Diethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 400.3 methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 271 tert-Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 400.3 methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 272 (1-Methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic 462.4 acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2- yl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3- yl]-cyclobutyl ester 273 Ethyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 386.3 [5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 274 Cyclopropylmethyl-carbamic acid 3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

A mixture of 5-(3-cyclopropylmethylcarbamoyloxy-cyclobutyl)-3-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)-pyrazole-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and 3-(3-cyclopropylmethylcarbamoyloxy-cyclobutyl)-5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)-pyrazole-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (120 mg, prepared by procedures analogous to those described in Example 221, Steps A to E, using appropriate starting materials) was dissolved in TFA (0.19 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (1.25 mL) at room temperature. After 4 h, the solution was diluted with EtOAc and the solution was washed sequentially with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (2×), water, and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Purification of the residue by silica gel chromatography afforded the title compound as a solid. MS (M+H)⁺=398.3.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 274 using appropriate starting materials.

MS Example Name (M + H)⁺ 275 tert-Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 363.5 (cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 276 Phenyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- 357.3 dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 277 Methyl-pyridin-2-yl-carbamic acid cis- 372.3 3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 278 (6-Methyl-pyridin-2-yl)-carbamic acid 372.3 cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 279 Methyl-phenyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 371.3 (2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 280 Pyrimidin-2-yl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 359.3 (2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 281 Ethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 372.3 methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 282 (2-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis- 452.2 3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 283 Pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid cis-3-[5- 398.3 (2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 284 Morpholine-4-carboxylic acid cis-3-[5- 414.3 (2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 285 (2,6-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid 470.2 cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 286 Methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic 449.0 acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 287 tert-Butyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 414.4 [5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 288 2-Methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

A mixture of 5-(cis-3-hydroxy-cyclobutyl)-3-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-pyrazole-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and 3-(cis-3-hydroxy-cyclobutyl)-5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-pyrazole-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (120 mg, prepared by procedures analogous to those described in Example 221, Steps B to C, using appropriate starting materials), triphosgene (69 mg), and PS-DMAP resin (0.30 mmol) were stirred in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) at 0° C. After 60 min 2-methyl-pyrrolidine (0.10 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred overnight. The resin was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated to afford the product carbamate that was used without further purification.

Step B

A solution of the product of Step A (157 mg) in DMSO was heated at 150° C. in a microwave apparatus for 7 min. The solution was then purified by reversed-phase preparative HPLC to afford the title product as a solid. MS (M+H)⁺=377.2.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 288 using appropriate starting materials.

MS (M + H)⁺ or Example Name MS (M − H)⁻ 289 tert-Butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 363.2 (−) [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 290 (6-Methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)- 412.3 (−) carbamic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 291 (1-Methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)- 427.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 292 Methyl-(3-methyl-pyridin-2- 426.1 (−) ylmethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 293 (2,2,2-Trifluoro-1-pyridin-2-yl- 468.1 (+) ethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 294 (2R,6S)-2,6-Dimethyl- 407.2 (+) morpholine-4-carboxylic acid cis- 3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3- yl}-cyclobutyl ester 295 2-Pyridin-2-yl-pyrrolidine-1- 438.1 (−) carboxylic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 296 Methyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl- 414.2 (+) carbamic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 297 Methyl-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)- 426.1 (−) carbamic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 298 2-Methoxymethyl-pyrrolidine-1- 407.2 (+) carboxylic acid cis-3-{5- [(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 299 tert-Butyl-methyl-carbamic acid 379.2 (+) cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4- carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3- yl}-cyclobutyl ester 300 Benzyl-ethyl-carbamic acid cis-3- 427.2 (+) {5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 301 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-p-tolyl-acetylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

A solution of 2-tert-butyl-5-(3,3-dimethoxy-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-ylamine (4.0 g), di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (10.4 g), Et₃N (6.6 mL), and DMAP (40 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ (60 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 3 days. The solution was concentrated to afford the bis-carbamoylated product as an oil that was used without further purification.

Step B

The product of Step A was converted into [2-tert-butyl-5-(cis-3-isobutylcarbamoyloxy-cyclobutyl)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-imidodicarboxylic acid di-tert-butyl ester using appropriate starting materials by procedures analogous to those described in Example 1, Steps B to C, and Example 9, Step A.

Step C

A solution of the product of Step B (4.5 g) in TFA (40 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃. The solution was washed sequentially with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Purification of the residue by silica gel chromatography afforded the amine product as an oil.

Step D

To p-tolyl-acetic acid (0.18 mmol) was added sequentially: the product of Step C (1 mL of a 0.16 M solution in EtOAc), 1-propanephosphonic acid cyclic anhydride (1 mL of a 0.36 M solution in EtOAc), and Et₃N (1 mL of a 0.72 M solution in EtOAc). The resulting solution was heated at reflux overnight and concentrated to afford a residue that used without purification in the next step.

Step E

The product of Step D was dissolved in TFA (2 mL) and the solution was heated at reflux overnight. The solution was concentrated and the residue purified by reversed-phase preparative HPLC to afford the title product. MS (M+H)⁺=385.4.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 301 using appropriate starting materials.

Example Name MS (M + H)⁺ 302 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3- 413.5 methyl-2-phenyl-butyrylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 303 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-m- 385.4 tolyl-acetylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 304 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(3- 401.4 methoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 305 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(4- 405.4 chloro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 306 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(4- 401.4 methoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 307 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-o- 385.4 tolyl-acetylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 308 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(3- 389.4 fluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 309 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 431.4 (3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 310 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-{[1-(4- 459.4 chloro-phenyl)-cyclopentanecarbonyl]- amino}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 311 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(2- 401.4 methoxy-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 312 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(3- 439.4 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 313 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(2- 439.4 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 314 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 439.3 (2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 315 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(4- 413.4 isopropyl-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 316 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(2- 423.3 chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 317 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 407.4 (2,4-difluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 318 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 407.4 (2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 319 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 439.3 (3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 320 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 407.4 (2,5-difluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 321 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 407.4 (3,4-difluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 322 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 415.4 benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-acetylamino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 323 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(4- 389.4 fluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 324 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 371.4 phenylacetylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 325 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(4- 433.4 chloro-phenyl)-2-methyl- propionylamino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 326 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,3- 461.5 diphenyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 327 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 507.5 (3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- acetylamino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 328 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 425.4 (2,4,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 329 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(4- 415.5 methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)- acetylamino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 330 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-{[1-(4- 443.5 fluoro-phenyl)-cyclopentanecarbonyl]- amino}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 331 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5- 371.4 phenylacetylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)- cyclobutyl ester 332 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(3- 405.1 chloro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-2H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 333 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(4- 449.1 bromo-phenyl)-acetylamino]-2H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 334 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3- 427.5 methyl-2-phenyl-pentanoylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 335 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 439.3 (2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 336 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-{[1-(4- 431.3 chloro-phenyl)-cyclopropanecarbonyl]- amino}-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 337 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 407.4 (3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-2H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 338 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 415.5 benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-acetylamino)- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 339 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-p- 385.4 tolyl-acetylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 340 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(2- 485.2 bromo-5-chloro-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 341 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 427.5 isochroman-7-yl-acetylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 342 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(2- 423.9 chloro-6-fluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 343 Isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(3- 413.3 acetyl-phenyl)-acetylamino]-2H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 344 Cyclobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3-pyridin-3-yl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

A solution of cyclobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-amino-1-tert-butyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester (100 mg, prepared by procedures analogous to those described in Example 301, Steps A to C, using appropriate starting materials), 1-propanephosphonic acid cyclic anhydride (50 wt. % in EtOAc, 407 mg), and 3-pyridin-3-yl-propionic acid (60 mg) in EtOAc (2 mL) was heated at reflux overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the residue was used without purification in the next step.

Step B

A solution of the product of Step A in TFA (4 mL) was heated at 80° C. overnight. The solution was then concentrated and the residue was purified by reversed-phase preparative HPLC to afford the title product. MS (M+H)⁺=384.4.

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 344 using appropriate starting materials. For Examples 345 to 350 and Examples 352 to 368, Et₃SiH (3 equivalents) was added to the reaction mixture in Step B.

Example Name MS (M + H)⁺ 345 Cyclopentyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 418.4 [3-(4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl)- propionylamino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 346 Cyclopentyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 401.5 [3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)- propionylamino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 347 Cyclopentyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 398.5 (3-pyridin-3-yl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 348 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 372.5 cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl- propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 349 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 484.5 cis-3-{5-[2-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-2- methyl-propionylamino]-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 350 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 456.4 cis-3-{5-[2-(2-chloro-phenoxy)- acetylamino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 351 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 358.4 cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 352 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 386.5 cis-3-[5-(3,3-dimethyl-butyrylamino)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 353 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 372.5 cis-3-[5-(3-methyl-butyrylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 354 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 384.5 cis-3-[5-(cyclopentanecarbonyl- amino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 355 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 412.5 cis-3-[5-(cycloheptanecarbonyl- amino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 356 Methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3- 343.4 phenyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 357 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3- 357.4 phenyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 358 Methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2-(2- 379.4 chloro-phenoxy)-acetylamino]-1H- pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 359 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 393.4 (2-chloro-phenoxy)-acetylamino]- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 360 Methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 345.3 phenoxy-acetylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3- yl]-cyclobutyl ester 361 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 359.4 phenoxy-acetylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3- yl]-cyclobutyl ester 362 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 309.4 (2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 363 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 393.4 cis-3-{5-[(pyridine-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 364 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 386.2 cis-3-{5-[((S)-tetrahydro-furan-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 365 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 468.2 cis-3-{5-[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2- methyl-propionylamino]-1H-pyrazol- 3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 366 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 408.3 cis-3-{5-[(5-methyl-pyrazine-2- carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 367 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid 421.1 cis-3-[5-(2-pyridin-2-yl- propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]- cyclobutyl ester 368 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3- 363.2 cyclohexyl-propionylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 369 Cyclobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5- 349.4 [(tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)- amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester

EXAMPLE 370 Cyclobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester

Step A

A solution of cyclobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-amino-1-tert-butyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester (100 mg, prepared by procedures analogous to those described in Example 301, Steps A to C, using appropriate starting materials), trimethylacetyl chloride (46 mg), and Et₃N (50 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solution was concentrated to afford a residue that was used without further purification.

Step B

A solution of the product of Step A in TFA (4 mL) was heated at 80° C. overnight. The solution was concentrated and the residue purified by reversed-phase preparative HPLC to afford the title product. MS (M+H)⁺=335.4

The following compounds were prepared in a manner analogous to that described in Example 370 using appropriate starting materials. For Examples 373 to 377, Et₃SiH (3 equivalents) was added to the reaction mixture in Step B.

Example Name MS (M + H)⁺ 371 Methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2- 295.4 dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 372 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(1- 397.2 phenyl-cyclopentanecarbonyl)- amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester 373 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2- 371.2 methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)- 2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 374 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-{[1- 417.2 (4-chloro-phenyl)- cyclobutanecarbonyl]-amino}-2H- pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester 375 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 421.1 (2-chloro-phenoxy)-2-methyl- propionylamino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 376 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[2- 421.1 (4-chloro-phenoxy)-2-methyl- propionylamino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}- cyclobutyl ester 377 Dimethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5- 337.2 (2,2-dimethyl-pentanoylamino)-2H- pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester 

1. A compound of formula (I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound wherein: R¹ is: (A) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (a) halogen; (b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (c) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (d) —OR⁵; (e) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; or (f) heterocycloalkyl; (B) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (g) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (h) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (i) heterocycloalkyl; (j) —OR⁵; or (k) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; (C) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three (l) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (m) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (n) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; (o) heterocycloalkyl; (p) —OR⁵; or (q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; or (D) heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or trifluoromethyl; R² and R³ are, independently, (E) hydrogen; (F) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (r) halogen; (s) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, optionally substituted with from one to three fluorine atoms; (t) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three nitro; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; halogen; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (u) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; oxo; aryl; or heteroaryl; (v) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three cyano or aryl; (w) —NHR⁴; (x) —OR⁵; (y) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl]₂; or (z) cyano; (G) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three cyano or aryl; (H) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (I) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; or (J) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with aryl; or R² and R³, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycloalkyl ring, optionally substituted independently with (aa) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with —R⁴ or —OR⁵; (bb) aryl; (cc) heteroaryl; (dd) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl]R⁴; (ee) —R⁴; or (ff) —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; R⁴ is (K) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (L) —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (M) —C(O)O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with aryl; (N) aryl; (O) heteroaryl; or (P) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each (N) aryl, (O) heteroaryl, or (P) heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (gg) halogen; (hh) nitro; (ii) trifluoromethyl; (jj) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or (kk) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl][C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl]; and R⁵ is (Q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (R) —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (S) aryl; (T) heteroaryl; or (U) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each (S) aryl, (T) heteroaryl, or (U) heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (ll) halogen; (mm) nitro; (nn) trifluoromethyl; (oo) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or (pp) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl][C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl].
 2. A compound of claim 1, wherein: R¹ is: (A) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with (b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁ -C₆)alkoxy; (c) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (d) —OR⁵; or (f) heterocycloalkyl; (B) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with (g) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (h) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (i) heterocycloalkyl; (j) —OR⁵; (k) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; (C) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with (l) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (m) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or —C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (n) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; (o) heterocycloalkyl; (p) —OR⁵; or (q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; R² is hydrogen or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; R³ is: (F) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three (r) halogen; (s) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, optionally substituted with from one to three fluorine atoms; (t) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; trifluoromethyl; halogen; or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (u) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; oxo; aryl; or heteroaryl; (v) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl; (w) —NHR⁴; (x) —OR⁵; (y) —N[(C₁-C₆)alkyl]₂; or (z) cyano; (G) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three cyano or aryl; or (J) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with aryl; or R² and R³, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycloalkyl ring, optionally substituted independently with (aa) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with —R⁴ or —OR⁵; (bb) aryl; (cc) heteroaryl; or (ff) —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; R⁴ is (K) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (N) aryl; (O) heteroaryl; or (P) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (gg) halogen; (ii) trifluoromethyl; or (jj) —(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; and R⁵ is (Q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (S) aryl; (T) heteroaryl; or (U) heterocycloalkyl, wherein each (S) aryl, (T) heteroaryl, or (U) heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted independently with from one to three (ll) halogen; (nn) trifluoromethyl; or (oo) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl.
 3. A compound of claim 1, wherein: R¹ is: (A) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with (b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (c) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁ -C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; or (d) —OR⁵; (B) —(C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted independently with (g) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (h) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (j) —OR⁵; (k) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; or (C) heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted with (l) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; (m) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy; trifluoromethyl; or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; (p) —OR⁵; or (q) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted with from one to three halogen; R² is hydrogen or —(C₁-C₆)alkyl; R³ is: (F) —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, optionally substituted independently with (s) aryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three halogen; trifluoromethyl; —(C₁-C₆)alkyl, or —(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, optionally substituted with from one to three fluorine atoms; (t) heteroaryl, optionally substituted independently with from one to three —(C₁-C₆)alkyl or trifluoromethyl; and R⁵ is (S) aryl, optionally substituted with halogen.
 4. The compound: benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(cyclohexanecarbonyl-amino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(4-methyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; butyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (2-chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; (2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(1-methyl-cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; p1 (2-ethyl-butyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; (2-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; isobutyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-phenylacetylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; (2-phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(cyclopentanecarbonyl-amino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; thiophen-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; or (2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound.
 5. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, or diluent.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound; an amount of one or more of: (i) an anti-angiogenesis agent, (ii) a signal transduction inhibitor, (iii) an anti-proliferative agent, (iv) an NK-1 receptor antagonist, (v) a 5HT_(1D) receptor antagonist, (vi) a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), (vii) an anti-psychotic agent, (viii) an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, (ix) a neuroprotectant, (x) tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), (xi) neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF), or (xii) a potassium channel modulator; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, or diluent.
 7. A compound selected from the group consisting of: (3-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl )-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; Benzyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(cycloheptanecarbonyl-amino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (3-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2,3-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2,6-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl )-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Fluoro-6-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (4-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (3-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(1 -methyl-cyclohexanecarbonyl)-amino]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (1-Methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Methyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (1-Methyl-1-phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-methyl-2-phenyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (1-Phenyl-cyclopentyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2-pyridin-2-yl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Phenylamino-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; (4-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; (2,4,5-Trifluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl )-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Methyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[(tetrahydro-pyran-4-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Methyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl )-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-2H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (4-Isopropyl-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (4-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Chloro-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(3,3-dimethyl-butyrylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-(5-isobutyrylamino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-cyclobutyl ester; Benzyl-methyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; Pyridin-2-ylmethyl-carbamic acid cis-3-{5-[((R)-tetrahydro-furan-2-carbonyl)-amino ]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-cyclobutyl ester; (2-Methoxy-benzyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; (1-Phenyl-propyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; and ((S)-1-Phenyl-ethyl)-carbamic acid cis-3-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylamino)-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-cyclobutyl ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound. 